THE risk of catching coronavirus from food or food packaging is very low.

This is according to Cheshire West and Chester Council’s latest advice for businesses who work in the food industry,

Whilst restaurants and cafés remain closed to help enforce social distancing regulations, they are still able to provide a takeaway service.

And the Government has released extra guidance during this period that states it is very unlikely that you can catch COVID-19 from food.

In addition, the World Health Organisation advises that the likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low.

The risk of catching the virus from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also very low.

Food packaging is not known to present a specific risk, however efforts should be made to ensure it is cleaned and handled in line with usual food safety practices.

If anyone is working in a food preparation area or is delivering food and is unwell, they should not be at work.

If they have symptoms, they should follow government advice and stay at home.

As a matter of good hygiene practice, anyone handling food should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

This should be done as a matter of routine, before and after handling food, and especially after being in a public place, blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Objects and surfaces that are touched regularly should be cleaned and disinfected frequently using standard cleaning products.

Cllr Karen Shore, deputy council leader and cabinet member for environment, highways and strategic transport, said: “Food businesses trading in west Cheshire during these difficult times will continue to be supported by officers in our food team.

“Please can all food businesses make sure they read the specific guidance from the Government.”

The council’s food team can be contacted by emailing regulatoryservices@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or by calling 01244 973708 for further advice.